Are you a teenage romance lover looking for your next great read? The world of young adult literature has plenty of amazing books that will satisfy your craving for love stories. From sweet and sentimental tales of first love to passionate romances, there’s something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll explore nine great YA books that will capture your heart. These books offer a diverse range of characters, settings, and plotlines that are sure to keep you hooked from start to finish.
Bestselling YA Books for Young Romance Lovers
Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa
Ander & Santi Were Here is a heart-wrenching YA book that follows the teenage romance between Ander, a nonbinary Mexican American muralist, and Santiago, a shy new waiter at Ander’s family’s taqueria. Set in the vibrant neighborhood of Santos Vista, San Antonio, Texas, this story explores themes of identity, belonging, and the fragility of home. As Ander and Santi fall deeper in love, they must confront the harsh realities of living in a world where their relationship is constantly threatened by ICE agents and societal expectations. Will their love be strong enough to overcome the obstacles in their path?
The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
“The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School” is a YA book that follows the story of Yamilet Flores, a queer Mexican American girl navigating Catholic school while falling in love and learning to embrace her true self. This National Book Award Finalist and William C. Morris YA Debut Award Finalist is a sharply funny and moving debut novel that explores themes of identity, sexuality, and self-acceptance. Perfect for fans of Erika L. Sánchez, Leah Johnson, and Gabby Rivera, this book is a captivating and heartbreaking tale of a teenage girl finding her place in the world and learning to live her truth out loud.
Heartstopper: Volume One (Heartstopper, #1) by Alice Oseman
Heartstopper is a sweet and tender LGBTQ+ graphic novel that follows the blossoming romance between two teenage boys, Charlie and Nick. Set in the familiar surroundings of high school, this charming story captures the ups and downs of first love, friendship, and self-discovery. With its relatable characters, engaging plot, and positive portrayal of queer relationships, Heartstopper is a delightful read that will resonate with fans of The Art of Being Normal, Holly Bourne, and Love, Simon.
This Time It’s Real by Ann Liang
“This Time It’s Real” is a hilarious and heartwarming YA romance about a teenage girl named Eliza who fabricates a relationship with a famous actor in her class, Caz Song, to boost her social status and secure a coveted internship. As Eliza and Caz spend more time together, their fake relationship starts to feel increasingly real, threatening to derail Eliza’s well-laid plans. Will she choose to follow her dreams or risk it all for love? Fans of Meg Cabot and Jenny Han will adore this charming and relatable tale of teenage romance, friendship, and self-discovery.
Her Good Side by Rebekah Weatherspoon
In this sweet and swoony YA romance, two awkward teens, Bethany and Jacob, decide to practice dating to gain confidence in their romantic skills. As they navigate fake dates and kissing sessions, their feelings for each other begin to grow, complicating their initial plan to help them date others. Will they realize that their perfect match is right in front of them? Fans of Nicola Yoon and Jenny Han will adore this heart-melting tale of teenage love, friendship, and self-discovery.
Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn
Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares is a heartwarming and hilarious YA romance about two teenagers who embark on a whirlwind holiday season romance via a red notebook filled with challenges and dares. Co-written by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, this book follows the unlikely pair as they trade dreams, desires, and dares across New York City, testing their in-person connection and exploring the possibility of love amidst the chaos of the holidays. Perfect for fans of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist and Will Grayson, Will Grayson, this book is now a Netflix original series starring Austin Abrams and Midori Francis.
We have something in store for Historical and Regency Romance lovers.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
“Last Night at the Telegraph Club” is a National Book Award-winning YA romance that follows the story of 17-year-old Lily Hu, a Chinese American girl living in 1950s Chinatown, as she falls in love with Kathleen Miller, a fellow teenager. Despite the danger and discrimination they face in a homophobic and xenophobic society, Lily and Kath risk everything to be together, fighting against the odds to let their love flourish. This New York Times bestseller has been hailed as “the queer romance we’ve been waiting for,” offering a powerful and timely exploration of identity, love, and resistance.
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert
In this New York Times bestselling YA romance, two former best friends turned rivals, Brad and Celine, are forced to work together in a survival course in the woods, where they must confront their messy past and navigate their complicated feelings for each other. As they trudge through the wilderness, they discover that their past connections may not be as dead as they thought and that their adventure could lead to a whole new kind of relationship.
Forget Me Not by Alyson Derrick
This YA teenage romance novel tells the story of Stevie and Nora, two teenagers who share a secret, epic love that they plan to pursue in California after graduation. However, Stevie suffers a fall that erases her memories of the past two years, including her love for Nora. As Stevie struggles to reconcile her old life with her new reality, Nora tries to reconnect with her forgotten love. Against the odds, the two attempt to overcome their challenges and find their way back to each other.
